Wilderness Values, the Environmental Movement and Mission 66

Mission 66 was a ten-year program that began in 1956 and concluded in 1966, the 50th anniversary of the founding of the National Park Service. The stated goal of Mission 66 was to increase public access and enjoyment of the national parks through a program of development and reconstruction. However, wilderness conservationists and environmentalists criticized the program heavily during its time. This reaction has left Mission 66 with a controversial legacy that reflects negatively on the historical developments of the program. The goal of this thesis is to delve into why Mission 66 was such a controversial program by examining the historic roots of wilderness and environmental thought in the national parks in the United States. It is hoped this study work will provide an important perspective on Mission 66 that can be utilized in the ongoing conversation about Mission 66 and its cultural legacy.